What is the significance of Zaphon in the Bible?

"On the sides of the north," adds to this great significance. There is no need to quarrel with any topographical reference that may be suggested, for the typical meaning never displaces the literal and external, but shines through it, and gives it beauty and enforcement. We must not make matter the enemy; but the servant and shrine of the Spirit. Let Mount Zion be actually and literally on the sides of the north; this is the beautiful symbol of a deeper reality. The north — tzaphon — is "what is hidden;" because the north side of anything is the dark; the hidden side. The north therefore is the place of mystery; and of opposition to the light; and "God is light." From the mysterious in nature; the mysteries of God's providence, the clouds and darkness which are round about His throne, — full as all these must be of His wisdom and goodness really; — infidelity derives its arguments, and with these makes its attacks upon the truth of God. In the sides of the north therefore it is that the Babylonian scoffer means to sit (Isa. 14:13) in defiance of the Most High. But here now Mount Zion stands, God's bulwark against the foe; who is (let us note) a northern foe. God opposes to him the grace of His promise, His immutable word; Himself; in short; as that against which the wave of national madness must first break; and break itself to pieces.

And how grandly Mount Zion rises "on the sides of the north," the answer at last to all the mystery of God's dealings with His people; the fulfillment of promise, the sign of peace for the earth itself; God;s ways now to be open; in the sight of men; day having succeeded to night, sight (in some sense) to faith; Jerusalem now the city of the great King, for whom the expectant ages have been looking. Yes; God is known in her palaces as a high place; — Zion itself His symbol.

(vv. 1-3) The psalm opens with an ascription of praise to Jehovah, who has established His throne in Zion, “the city of our God.” Then follows a description of the glory of the city. As becomes the dwelling place of Jehovah, it is described as “the mountain of his holiness.” Holiness being established, the city which had been desolate now becomes beautiful, the joy of the whole earth. “On the sides of the north” may indicate the blessedness of the city in the sight of the world, that at enmity with the people of God had once approached from the north. Now God, dwelling in the city, is known as its defence and security. Thus the city is publicly known as holy, beautiful, a joy, and as a refuge for God's people.

Psalm 48 opens with an ascription of praise to Jehovah, who has established His throne in Zion: "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness" (v. 1). There follows a description of the glory of the city: "Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge" (vv. 2,3). Holiness having been established, the city which had been desolate now becomes beautiful, the joy of the whole earth. The words, "on the sides of the north", may refer to the fact that those nations that had tried to destroy Israel had come from the north, but they were defeated and destroyed themselves. That point of attack is now seen as a place of glory. God was now dwelling in the city as its defence and security, so it becomes holy, beautiful, a place of joy and a refuge for God's people.

Then Mount Zion is spoken of as being "on the sides of the north." The north is the direction speaking often of mystery and from which the cold winds of atheism blow. From the far north will come the vicious attack of Gog and Magog, to be fully repelled by the great King of the city Jerusalem. For Jerusalem will be fully prepared for this, with her possession of "the sides of the north." "God is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge" (v. 3). What more safe place could ever be known?

This was in reality a part of Jerusalem, being one of the mountains on which Jerusalem was built. Zion is often called 'the city of David,' it was where he dwelt. 2 Sam. 5:7; 1 Chr. 11:5; Micah 3:10, 12. Which part of Jerusalem was thus designated is now a disputed point: some few contend for the north-west; but most believe it to have been on the south-west, and to have extended farther south than the present wall of the city. It would in this case have been in proximity to the temple on the south-east, which could have been reached by a bridge over the Tyropoeon valley. 2 Chr. 5:2. In Ps. 48:2, occur the words "the joy of the whole earth is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King." This has been thought to mean that mount Zion was in the north of the city; but may it not signify that on the north side of Zion is the city of the great King, that is, Jerusalem? The psalm is clearly millennial. Zion, having failed as a part of Jerusalem, was to be ploughed as a field. Micah 3:12.

Za’phon - The north (from to hide)

Ba al ze’phon - Lord of the north

Baal-Zephon is the third mountain. It means “lord of the north.” The north tells us of the cold winds of unbelief, which is determined to take the place of lordship, thus undermining the authority of God. These three evils, fear, pride and unbelief are enemies within our own hearts. We must face them as enemies if we are to gain any victory whatever.

Place on the border of Egypt, near the Gulf of Suez. The Israelites encamped in its vicinity before crossing the Red Sea. Zephon is supposed to correspond to Typhon, but this has not led to the identification of the place. Ex. 14:2, 9; Num. 33:7.

Zion is only named once in the Apocalypse. “Out of about 110 times that Zion is mentioned, ninety are in‎ terms of the Lord’s great love and affection for her, so that the place has great, very great significance, and Heaven knows it too.” The first mention of Zion when captured‎ from the Jebusites by David (2 Sam. 5:7) is pregnant with interest, for, adds the sacred historian, “the same is the city of David.” Saul, the predecessor of David on the‎ throne, was the man of the people’s choice, and typified ‎“the king” who reigns in Jerusalem before the Lord comes.‎ David, the true king of Israel, was Jehovah’s chosen, and Zion the seat of his government. He is thus the prototype of our Lord, Who will reign in Zion, “and before His ancients gloriously” (Isa. 24:23). Zion is rich in sacred‎ memories to the Jew. It is his goal of hope. It is, too,‎ God’s chosen city. “For the Lord hath chosen Zion: He hath desired it for His habitation. This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it” (Ps. 132:13-14). “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King” (Ps. 48:2). It is the seat of universal‎ government for earth, and the centre of interest to the millennial world (Isa. 2). It is where Jehovah has in purpose set His King (Ps. 2:6). There are three distinct thoughts connected with mount Zion: (1) It is the seat of royal power; (2) of God’s intervention in grace; (3) of‎ Jehovah’s sovereignty, but all in respect to Israel.‎